Ketamine blocks cortical epileptic afterdischarges but not paired-pulse and frequency potentiation

Cortical epileptiform afterdischarges (spike-and-wave rhythm) induced by low-frequency stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex were dose-dependently shortened by ketamine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.). Myoclonic jerking during stimulation was unaffected by ketamine whereas the same motor pattern accompanying afterdischarges was markedly suppressed by this drug. Paired-pulse as well as frequency potentiation of the cortical interhemispheric (transcallosal) responses were not significantly altered by the 40 mg/kg dose of ketamine. The two simple potentiation phenomena studied probably did not play a role in initiation of cortical epileptic afterdischarges.